Gated Unlock Codes for Videogame Features and Content

ABSTRACT

There is provided a system and method for gated unlock codes for videogame features and content. By maintaining a redemption database where master unlock codes are used to provide access to specific subsets of feature unlock codes, unique exclusive content may be provided for different retailers. In this manner, a universal game media containing all possible additional content may be utilized for retail distribution, reducing publishing costs while still providing customized versions for retailers with desirable exclusive content. By restricting each gaming device or user account to a single group or hierarchy of master unlock codes, the use o f ancillary unlock codes with videogames purchased from different retailers may be discouraged, thereby preserving user incentives to purchase primary and secondary items with feature unlock codes at a single retailer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to interactive gamingapplications. More particularly, the present invention relates tomethods for feature unlocking in interactive gaming applications.

2. Background Art

When distributing products such as videogames through retail channels,retailers may often request retailer-specific exclusive content andfeatures to attract consumers. For example, retailers may desire aspecial customized version, such as a special edition or limited editionpackage containing exclusive items, characters, downloads, maps, bonusitems, or other features specific for the retailer. Retailers cancultivate increased retail store and website traffic by promoting theirspecial or limited edition products through advertising, circularinserts, social networking, and other promotional and marketingchannels.

An extension to this approach is for retailers to offer secondaryproducts and services that unlock additional content for the retailerspecific videogame product. For example, the purchase of Blu-ray or DVDdiscs, movie tickets, grocery items, hygiene items, game accessories,premium memberships, or other products and services from the retailermay provide users with ancillary redemption codes for unlockingadditional exclusive content. The ancillary redemption codes maycomprise, for example, alphanumeric strings to be entered by users orbarcodes to be scanned by camera.

Unfortunately, requiring separate packaging and program code for eachspecific retailer incurs significant additional development effort toimplement minor differences between retailer versions. While using asingle unified version would avoid this disadvantage, a single unifiedversion would render it difficult to confirm the specific retailer wherea consumer may have purchased a game product. As a result, a singleunified version, would have to accept the redemption codes for allretailers, and consumers could therefore purchase only the secondaryproducts from a particular retailer and redeem the ancillary redemptioncodes while avoiding the purchase of the primary product, or thevideogame, at the same retailer. This is an undesirable situation forretailers seeking to promote and sell both primary and secondaryproducts to consumers.

Accordingly, there is a need to overcome the drawbacks and deficienciesin the art by providing an efficient and cost effective method ofproviding retailer exclusive features and content while preservingincentives for purchasing both primary and secondary products at asingle retailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There are provided systems and methods for gated unlock codes forvideogame features and content, substantially as shown in and/ordescribed in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forthmore completely in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become morereadily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art after reviewingthe following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 presents a diagram of a system for providing gated unlock codesfor videogame features and content, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 presents a diagram of a user interface for providing gated unlockcodes for videogame features and content, according to one embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart describing the steps, according to oneembodiment of the present invention, by which gated unlock codes forvideogame features and content may be provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to a system and method for gatedunlock codes for videogame features and content. The followingdescription contains specific information pertaining to theimplementation of the present invention. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the present invention may be implemented in a mannerdifferent from that specifically discussed in the present application.Moreover, some of the specific details of the invention are notdiscussed in order not to obscure the invention. The specific detailsnot described in the present application are within the knowledge of aperson of ordinary skill in the art. The drawings in the presentapplication and their accompanying detailed description are directed tomerely exemplary embodiments of the invention. To maintain brevity,other embodiments of the invention, which use the principles of thepresent invention, are not specifically described in the presentapplication and are not specifically illustrated by the presentdrawings.

FIG. 1 presents a diagram of a system for providing gated unlock codesfor videogame features and content, according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. Diagram 100 of FIG. 1 includes game media 110, gameconsole 120, display 130, input device 135, network 140, and redemptiondatabase 150. Game media 110 includes shared program data 111, retailerspecific custom data 112 a, retailer specific custom data 112 b, andmemory 115. Game console 120 includes processor 121 and memory 125.Redemption database 150 includes retailer redemption record 151,retailer redemption record 152, and shared redemption record 151 c.Retailer redemption record 151 a includes master unlock codes 152 a,feature unlock codes 153 a and unique identifiers 154 a. Retailerredemption record 151 b includes master unlock codes 152 b, featureunlock codes 153 b and unique identifiers 154 b. Shared redemptionrecord 151 c includes feature unlock codes 153 c and unique identifiers154 c.

Shared program 111 may comprise game program code and game assets for avideo game titled “Figure Story”. Retailer specific custom data 112 amay contain game assets exclusive to the “Window Mart” retailer, whereasretailer specific custom data 112 b may contain game assets exclusive tothe “Game Pit” retailer. Memory 115 may comprise flash memory forstoring user data, such as save data. In alternative embodiments, gamemedia 110 may comprise read only media, such as an optical disc, inwhich case memory 115 may be omitted or relocated to game console 120.

Game console 120 may comprise any device capable of functioning as agaming device, such as a personal computer, a mobile phone, a gameconsole, a portable gaming system, or another device. As shown indiagram 100 of FIG. 1, game media 110 is inserted into game console 120for reading by processor 121. Additionally, memory 125 may be used tostore game data and may include non-volatile portions comprising flashmemory or a hard disk drive to store user account data, save data,downloadable content, and other permanent data. Visual data from thevideogame may be sent to display 130 for viewing by a user, and the usermay use input device 135 to interact with the videogame. Display 130 maycomprise, for example an internal LCD display integrated into gameconsole 120 or an external LCD display such as a HDTV or computermonitor, and input device 135 may comprise, for example a touchscreen, agamepad, a keyboard and mouse, or another input device.

Game console 120 may also connect to network 140, which may comprise apublic network such as the Internet, to communicate with redemptiondatabase 150. Redemption database 150 may be maintained by themanufacturer of game console 120 or by the creators of game media 110.In the example shown in diagram 100 of FIG. 1, processor 121 maydirectly query redemption database 150, but in alternative embodimentsan intermediary database interface server, not shown in FIG. 1, may beutilized to moderate database query traffic going in and out ofredemption database 150.

In some embodiments, game console 120 may lack networking hardware tocommunicate with network 140, or access to network 140 may be otherwiseunavailable. In this case, to interface with redemption database 150, auser may be alternatively instructed by display 130 to perform variousmanual redemption methods such as accessing a redemption website orcalling a telephone redemption system. To embed user or deviceidentifying data, which may correspond to data within unique identifiers154 a through 154 c, game console 120 may perform a transform to anentered unlock code to embed identifying data into a special unlock codefor use with the manual redemption methods. The user may then bedirected to use the special unlock code when accessing the website ortelephone system, which in turn may interface with redemption database150 and return an encoded response code. After the user enters theresponse code, game console 120 may verify that the alternativeredemption was successful and proceed as usual, or may deny access tocontent if the response code indicates failure. Thus, even if gameconsole 120 cannot directly access network 140, the user may stillsuccessfully redeem unlock codes using alternative manual redemptionmethods.

Redemption database 150 includes several records describing theredemption status of various unlock codes. Retailer redemption record151 a, which may correspond to the “Window Mart” retailer, includesmaster unlock codes 152 a, which may describe all valid and activatedmaster unlock codes referencing the videogame comprising game media 110for various uniquely identified devices or accounts referenced by uniqueidentifiers 154 a. For example, unique identifiers 154 a may include anidentifier for game console 120, or an identifier for user accountsassociated with game console 120. Once a particular device or accountredeems a master unlock code by recording an associated redemptionrecord, the device or account may then be considered gated or locked tothat master unlock code, or to an associated group or hierarchy ofmaster unlock codes.

For example, if the unique identifier to be used is a unique identifierfor game console 120, and the unique identifier is referenced underunique identifiers 154 a, then it may be no longer possible to associategame console 120 with another master unlock code, such as master unlockcodes 152 b corresponding to the “Game Pit” retailer. Thus, the user ofgame console 120 is now gated or locked into unlocking content reservedfor the “Window Mart” retailer only, or feature unlock codes 153 areferencing content within retailer specific custom data 112 a.Similarly, if unique identifiers 154 b includes a unique identifier forgame console 120, then game console 120 may be gated or locked intounlocking content reserved for the “Game Pit” retailer only, or featureunlock codes 153 b referencing content within retailer specific customdata 112 b. However, some content, such as feature unlock codes 153 c ofshared redemption record 151 c, may be accessible globally regardless ofmaster unlock code redemption state.

While the above example assumes a single retailer redemption record fora single retailer, in alternative embodiments some retailers may havemultiple associated retailer redemption records, for example to provideseasonal or schedule based promotions, or to provide promotions specificto particular regions or stores. In this case, the retailer redemptionrecords associated with a specific retailer may be grouped together orplaced in a hierarchy allowing users to redeem and switch membershipbetween retailer redemption records within the same group or hierarchy.For example, the “Game Pit” retailer may provide master unlock codes fora “Summer” and a “Winter” themed game edition, and the user may beenabled to freely switch membership between the two associated retailerredemption records by re-redeeming the associated master unlock code.Moreover, in some embodiments, the user may be able to concurrentlyredeem multiple master unlock codes. For example, the “Game Pit”retailer may provide master unlock codes for “Special Content Pack #1”,“Special Content Pack #2”, and “Special Content Pack #3”, which mayprovide access to different feature unlock codes that can be allunlocked concurrently. Additionally, redeeming a specific set of masterunlock codes might provide bonus exclusive feature unlock codes. Forexample, redeeming all of the “Special Content Pack” codes might providethe user with an exclusive item unlock code.

Thus, by requiring a user to redeem at least one master unlock codeprior to redeeming any content or feature unlock codes, users can hegated or locked into redeeming content exclusive to a particular group,such as a specific retailer, as shown in diagram 100 of FIG. 1.Advantageously, since game media 110 may contain the content for allretailers, game media 110 may be produced as a cost effective universaledition for all retailers, avoiding the need for separate versions foreach specific retailer.

Additionally, since users may now be gated into specific sets of featureunlock codes, a strong incentive and motivation for purchasing primaryand secondary products at a single retailer may be maintained, sinceusers can no longer redeem ancillary or feature unlock codes from anyretailer but only from the primary retailer providing the master unlockcode. The master unlock code may for example be provided to the user atthe point of sale for the primary product or the videogame, for exampleas a redemption card including an alphanumeric code to be entered by theuser using input device 135 or a barcode to be scanned using a camera ofgame console 120. Although master unlock codes 152 a and 152 b may eachinclude several unique unlock codes to accommodate multiple purchases,each master unlock code still performs the same function of gating theuser to the associated feature unlock codes, and optionally to theassociated group or hierarchy of retailer redemption records. Thefeature unlock codes may be provided to the user in a similar manner aswith the master unlock codes, but accompanied with secondary productssuch as Blu-ray or DVD discs, movie tickets, grocery items, hygieneitems, game accessories, premium memberships, or other products andservices that may be offered at the retailer.

Moving to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 presents a diagram of a user interface forproviding gated unlock codes for videogame features and content,according to one embodiment of the present invention. Diagram 200 ofFIG. 2 includes displays 230 a through 230 i. With regards to FIG. 2, itshould be noted that displays 230 a through 230 i may each correspond todisplay 130 of FIG. 1.

Display 230 a shows a user interface that may be presented to the userafter initially executing the videogame software on a gaming device. Theuser is shown a title screen showing the title of the game, “FigureStory”, and is presented with two menu options, “New Game” to start thegame, and “Redeem Code” to proceed with code redemption. Assuming theuser selects “Redeem Code”, the user interface may transition to a stateas shown in display 230 b.

Display 230 b shows a user interface that may be presented to the userafter selecting the “Redeem Code” option wherein no previous master coderedemptions have been recorded. The user is prompted to enter a MasterUnlock Code provided by the retailer where the videogame software waspurchased. As previously discussed, the Master Unlock Code may beprovided as an alphanumeric code or barcode printed on a redemption cardaccompanying the sale of the videogame. The user may then enter or scanthe code to redeem the Master Unlock Code. The Master Unlock Code maycomprise a unique one-time use code that is enabled after the point ofsale. Depending on whether the user purchased the videogame from “WindowMart” or from “Game Pit”, the user interface may then change to a stateshown in display 230 c or display 230 d, since a different set of MasterUnlock Codes are provided at each retailer. If the user attempts todirectly enter a Feature Code without redeeming a Master Unlock Codefirst, then the user may be taken to the screen shown by display 230 h,which might further inform the user that a Master Unlock Code must beredeemed first.

Display 230 c shows a user interface that may be presented to the userafter redeeming a Master Unlock Code associated with the “Window Mart”retailer. As shown in display 230 c, the user is returned to the titlescreen, which now states that it is the “Limited Window Mart Edition”.Thus, depending on the particular Master Unlock Code redeemed by theuser, the user interface and experience of the videogame may becustomized. Furthermore, the redemption of a Master Unlock Code may alsoinclude the free redemption of any number of Feature Unlock Codes. Asshown in display 230 e, the game feature “Shooting Gallery” isautomatically unlocked after redeeming the Master Unlock Code.

Similarly, display 230 d shows a user interface that may be presented tothe user after redeeming a Master Unlock Code associated with the “GamePit” retailer. As shown in display 230 d, the user is returned to thetitle screen, which now states that it is the “Limited Game PitEdition”. Further, the game feature “Roundup Stage” is automaticallyunlocked after redeeming the Master Unlock Code.

Displays 230 e and 230 f show user interfaces that may be presented tothe user after selecting the “Redeem Code” option with a Master UnlockCode previously recorded. As shown in displays 230 e and 230 f, theoption to enter a new or changed Master Unlock Code is not provided tothe user. Instead, the user is prompted to enter a Feature Unlock Code.If the user enters a Feature Unlock Code associated with a retailer notassociated with the Master Unlock Code, then the user interface proceedsto the state shown in display 230 h, wherein, the redemption is deniedand the user is informed that the submitted Feature Unlock Code is notredeemable.

On the other hand, if the user redeems a Feature Unlock Code that isverified to be associated with the previously redeemed Master UnlockCode, then the corresponding game feature or content may be unlocked forthe user. Thus, as shown in display 230 g, the exclusive content forWindow Mart, or the “Steely” character, may be unlocked, whereas indisplay 230 i the exclusive content for Game Pit, or the user interfacecustomization “Custom Wallpaper #2”, may be unlocked. Since the FeatureUnlock Codes may be provided with the purchase of secondary products ata retailer, the described gated unlock system encourages the purchase ofboth primary and secondary products at a single retailer as FeatureUnlock Codes obtained from the secondary products of other retailerscannot be used.

Moving to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 shows a flowchart describing the steps,according to one embodiment of the present invention, by which gatedunlock codes for videogame features and content may be provided. Certaindetails and features have been left out of flowchart 300 that axeapparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a stepmay comprise one or more substeps or may involve specialized equipmentor materials, as known in the art. While steps 310 through 340 indicatedin flowchart 300 are sufficient to describe one embodiment of thepresent invention, other embodiments of the invention may utilize stepsdifferent from those shown in flowchart 300.

Referring to step 310 of flowchart 300 in FIG. 3 and diagram 100 of FIG.1, step 310 of flowchart 300 comprises processor 121 of game console 120executing a program code from shared program data 111 of game media 110to provide an interactive videogame on display 130. As previouslydescribed, shared program data 111 may contain game program code anddata assets for a game titled “Figure Story”. Processor 121 may acceptuser input from input device 135 to provide the interactivity for thevideogame by updating visuals shown on display 130 accordingly. Afterstep 310, display 130 may appear similar to display 230 a in FIG. 2.

Referring to step 320 of flowchart 300 in FIG. 3 and diagram 100 of FIG.1, step 320 of flowchart 300 comprises processor 121 of game console 120recording, in S redemption database 150 in response to a first inputfrom input device 135, retailer redemption record 151 a referencingmaster unlock codes 152 a. Prior to step 320, display 130 may appearsimilar to display 230 b in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality ofmaster unlock codes includes master unlock codes 152 a and 152 b, whichare both associated with the interactive videogame provided by sharedprogram data 111. While the plurality of master unlock codes shown inFigure I are each associated with a different retailer, any criteria forcategorization may be utilized. Furthermore, while the plurality ofmaster unlock codes may be each associated with mutually exclusivefeature unlock codes to reinforce retailer exclusivity, such a conditionis not necessarily a requirement. Additionally, as shown by sharedredemption record 151 c, feature unlock codes 153 c may be providedwhich are redeemable regardless of master unlock code.

Thus, for example, a user may enter or scan a master unlock code withinmaster unlock codes 152 a as the first input using input device 135, andgame console 120 may then access network 140, for example through mobilebroadband or local Wi-Fi, to record retailer redemption record 151within redemption database 150. As previously described, an intermediaryserver may also be utilized to moderate communications between gameconsole 120 and redemption database 150, and alternative manualredemption methods may also be supported. Retailer redemption record 151a may optionally include unique identifiers 154 a, referencing a uniqueidentifier of gaming device 120 or user accounts associated with gamingdevice 120.

Furthermore, to prepare for situations when access to redemptiondatabase 150 may be unavailable, for example if network 140 is down orno connection is available, retailer redemption record 151 a may also berecorded in a non-volatile portion of memory 115 and/or memory 125. Inthis manner, shared program data 111 can confirm the validity of anyprior redemptions even without network access, but any furtherredemptions of new unlock codes may require reestablishing networkconnectivity or using a manual redemption method.

After step 320, processor 121 of game console 120 may deny any furtherattempts to record any further redemption records referencing masterunlock codes other than those referenced in master unlock codes 152 a.For example, the game program code within shared program data 111 mayonly allow a single group or hierarchy of master unlock codes to beredeemed, and the record of the initial redemption may be stored inmemory 115 or 125. In this manner, the user is forced to choose fromexclusive content provided by only one specific group or retailer,thereby enhancing the marketing value and desirability of the exclusivecontent for each retailer. If the user decides to purchase multiplecopies of the videogame at different retailers, then workarounds such ascreating multiple user accounts may be supported to provide access toall purchased content.

Furthermore, as shown in display 230 c and 230 d in diagram 200 of FIG.2, the recording of the initial redemption record in step 320 may alsobe utilized to modify and customize the user interface shown to theuser. Thus, title graphics and other graphical assets may be changed,sound effects and music may be changed, and other assets may becustomized depending on the specific retailer associated with the masterunlock code.

Referring to step 330 of flowchart 300 in FIG. 3 and diagram 100 of FIG.1, step 330 of flowchart 300 comprises processor 121 of game console 120verifying, in redemption database 150 in response to a second input frominput device 135, a validity of a first feature unlock code from featureunlock codes 153 a associated with master unlock codes 152 a usingredemption database 150. Prior to step 330, display 130 may appearsimilar to display 230 e in FIG. 2. The second input may be receivedfrom the user in a similar manner to the first input from step 320.Processor 121 may then query redemption database 150 for the existenceof retailer redemption record 151 a, wherein the requested first featureunlock code is confirmed to exist within feature unlock codes 153 a.Furthermore, the query may confirm that unique identifiers 154 aincludes an identifier for game console 120 or a user account on gameconsole 120, and that a prior redemption using a master unlock code frommaster unlock codes 152 a has previously occurred.

Referring to step 340 of flowchart 300 in FIG. 3 and diagram 100 of FIG.1, step 340 of flowchart 300 comprises processor 121 of game console 120granting access to retailer specific custom data 112 a. After step 340,display 130 may appear similar to display 230 g of FIG. 2, informing theuser that a specific feature is now unlocked. Thus, the program codewithin shared program data 111 may begin using the assets and featuresreferenced in retailer specific custom data 112 a by the first featureunlock code submitted in step 330. For example, character models,voices, and other data relating to the “Steely” character may be madeaccessible. In this manner, the user is enabled to redeem feature unlockcodes associated with a specific retailer or another grouping criteria,providing value added contents for users while maintaining userincentives to shop for primary items, or videogame software, andsecondary items such as accessories at a single specific retaileroffering desirable exclusive content.

From the above description of the invention it is manifest that varioustechniques can be used for implementing the concepts of the presentinvention without departing from its scope. Moreover, while theinvention has been described with specific reference to certainembodiments, a person of ordinary skills in the art would recognize thatchanges can be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand the scope of the invention. As such, the described embodiments areto be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Itshould also be understood that the invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments described herein, but is capable of manyrearrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A gaming device comprising: a memory configured tostore a program code; a processor configured to: execute the programcode from the memory to provide an interactive videogame on a display;display a first query on the display requesting one of a plurality ofmaster unlock codes associated with the interactive videogame, whereineach of the plurality of master unlock codes corresponds to a specificretailer of a plurality of retailers each assigned a unique masterunlock code from the plurality of master unlock codes; receive a firstmaster unlock code of the plurality of master unlock codes in responseto the first query; verify the first master unlock code; provide accessto a list of a plurality of features corresponding to the specificretailer in response to verifying the first master unlock code, whereineach of the plurality of features having a corresponding feature unlockcode of a plurality of feature unlock codes; receive a request for afirst feature of the plurality of features corresponding to the specificretailer; display a second query on the display requesting the featureunlock code of the plurality of feature unlock codes corresponding tothe first feature; receive the feature unlock code in response to thesecond query; verify the feature unlock code; and grant access to thefirst feature in response to verifying the feature unlock code.
 22. Thegaming device of claim 21, wherein he first master unlock code isprovided with a purchase from a first retailer of a game mediacontaining the program code.
 23. The gaming device of claim 22, whereinthe first feature unlock code is provided with a purchase from the firstretailer of a secondary item.
 24. The gaming device of claim 22, whereinthe first feature unlock code is provided with a purchase from a secondretailer of a secondary item.
 25. The gaming device of claim 24, whereinthe secondary item is one of Blu-ray or DVD discs, movie tickets andgame accessories.
 26. The gaming device of claim 21, wherein theplurality of master unlock codes are each associated with mutuallyexclusive feature unlock codes.
 27. The gaming device of claim 21,wherein the processor is configured to verify the first master unlockcode by accessing a database over a network.
 28. A method for use by agaming device having a processor and a memory configured to storeprogram code, the method comprising: executing, using the processor, theprogram code from the memory to provide an interactive videogame on adisplay; displaying, using the processor, a first query on the displayrequesting one of a plurality of master unlock codes associated with theinteractive videogame, wherein each of the plurality of master unlockcodes corresponds to a specific retailer of a plurality of retailerseach assigned a unique master unlock code from the plurality of masterunlock codes; receiving, using the processor, a first master unlock codeof the plurality of master unlock codes in response to the first query;verifying, using the processor, the first master unlock code; providing,using the processor, access to a list of a plurality of featurescorresponding to the specific retailer in response to verifying thefirst master unlock code, wherein each of the plurality of featureshaving a corresponding feature unlock code of a plurality of featureunlock codes; receiving, using the processor, a request for a firstfeature of the plurality of features corresponding to the specificretailer; displaying, using the processor, a second query on the displayrequesting the feature unlock code of the plurality of feature unlockcodes corresponding to the first feature; receiving, using theprocessor, the feature unlock code in response to the second query;verifying, using the processor, the feature unlock code; and granting,using the processor, access to the first feature in response toverifying the feature unlock code.
 29. The method of claim 28, whereinthe first master unlock code is provided with a purchase from a firstretailer of a game media containing the program code.
 30. The method ofclaim 29, wherein the first feature unlock code is provided with apurchase from the first retailer of a secondary item.
 31. The method ofclaim 29, wherein the first feature unlock code is provided with apurchase from a second retailer of a secondary item.
 32. The method ofclaim 31, wherein the secondary item is one of Blu-ray or DVD discs,movie tickets and game accessories.
 33. The method of claim 28, whereinthe plurality of master unlock codes are each associated with mutuallyexclusive feature unlock codes.
 34. The method of claim 28, wherein theverifying of the first master unlock code includes accessing a databaseover a network.